We can’t recommend enough that you engage a lawyer to represent you at court. The solicitors at Aitken Whyte Lawyers will be prepared to ensure you have the best available representation to ensure you receive the most lenient outcome possible for your charge.

If a person is convicted of the offence without any ‘aggravating features’, they can face up to 3 years imprisonment.  If at the time of driving the person was adversely affected by alcohol or drugs, or was excessively speeding or taking part in a street race, or they have been convicted of this offence before, they could face up to 5 years imprisonment.

Dangerous Driving Causing Death Or Grievous Bodily Harm

If the dangerous driving causes death or grievous bodily harm to someone, the driver can face up to 10 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty is increased to 14 years if they were adversely affected by alcohol or drugs, excessively speeding, taking part in a street race, or if they left the scene of a crash before Police arrive.

If charged with dangerous operation causing death or grievous bodily harm, the matter will be finalised in the District Court as they are considered more serious. Other less serious offences without the aggravating feature will be finalised in the Magistrates’ Court.

Imprisonment As Part Of Penalty And Loss Of Licence

If a person has been previously convicted of this offence while adversely affected by drugs or alcohol, or previously convicted of certain other driving offences, the Court must impose imprisonment as part of the penalty.

In addition to the penalty which the Court imposes for the offence, a person’s licence will be disqualified for at least 6 months.  Depending on the circumstances of the offence itself, the persons own background and previous history, the disqualification period could be much longer than the 6 months.

A person is not able to apply for a work licence or special hardship licence during the disqualification period for these offences.

Recording Of Convictions

When a person is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offence, they will be convicted of that offence. Aitken Whyte lawyers have significant success in persuading the Magistrates’ and Judges, where relevant, not to record the conviction. That can have important ramifications for you as the recording of a conviction could prevent employment opportunities or overseas travel.

It is critically important that you do not speak with Police before seeking the advice of a qualified criminal defence solicitor. Police may ask you questions designed to get you to admit to aspects of the offence, such as the speed you were traveling at or how affected by alcohol you felt, that they might otherwise not be able to prove against you. While it is natural to want to cooperate in such a situation, it is critical to get advice first. You have the right to remain silent.

If you have been charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, it is important to seek qualified advice as to whether the Prosecution can prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, each element of the charge against you. You may have a defence to the charge, or there may be a less serious driving related charge that the Prosecution should prefer against you instead such as careless driving.

Defences

There are other potential available defences including that the driving was not dangerous or that the driving was for an emergency. Lapses in judgment or minor moments of inattention however can still result in a conviction for dangerous driving. Consideration needs to be given whether the act that has been committed puts the public to risk over and above what is normally faced by driving.

Hooning Offence

Dangerous driving is a type 1 hooning offence.  The result of this means that the vehicle the person was driving can be impounded for 90 days and if a second or further offence, the vehicle could be impounded and forfeited to the state.

Appearing In Court

If you are appearing before a Court to plead guilty to Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, it is important you have a qualified lawyer with you to put your best case forward and secure the most appropriate sentence.

If you or anyone you know needs advice about this or any other offence, contact Aitken Whyte Lawyers qualified and experienced criminal lawyers as soon as possible.